Love Your Enemies

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Tim Keller

Religion, Religion & Spirituality:christianity, Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity

4.9 • 16.2K Ratings

🗓️ 21 January 2026

⏱️ 36 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jesus gives us the most radical ethic of love that’s ever been put forth: “Turn the other cheek.” This ethic has been criticized and disregarded, but no one ever says the reason is because it’s too low or vile or unworthy. They always say it’s too high, too lofty. The reason it seems so lofty is it’s a whole new dimension. The love ethic in Matthew 5 is part of a package. The package is that Christianity itself is actually an interconnected set of radically altered relationships. A new relationship with God creates a new relationship with yourself, creates a new relationship with others. They can’t be separated. They rise and fall together, and you can’t have one without the others. Let’s take a look at those three aspects. As we move through this passage, we’ll see 1) the understanding of the self, 2) the relationship with others, and 3) the root of it all: a new relationship with God. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 3, 1989. Series: Ten Commandments 1989. Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24; 38-48. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Gospel and Life. During January, we're inviting our listeners to consider becoming
0:08.3	a Gospel and Life monthly partner. If you'd like to learn more, keep listening at the end of
0:13.0	today's podcast for details. Have you ever wondered what it really means to live a great life?
0:20.7	The Bible says the Ten Commandments aren't confining rules,
0:23.9	but a framework for building a life of true greatness.
0:26.9	Today, Tim Keller takes an in-depth look at one of the Ten Commandments
0:30.5	and helps us understand what it means to live the way God designed us to,
0:34.5	free, whole, and rooted in his love.
0:43.0	Thank you. designed us to, free, whole, and rooted in his love. Let's turn to Matthew chapter 5.
0:46.5	Jane, thank you.
0:48.8	I never had anybody in my church that could sing that before.
0:53.4	That's why I came to New York, among other things.
0:56.5	Matthew chapter 5, and we're going to read from verses 21 to 24, and then we will move
1:05.6	down the chapter and read verses 38 through 48.
1:10.8	Matthew 5, 21 to 24, 38 to 48.
1:17.6	You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, do not murder, and anyone who murders
1:22.9	will be subject to judgment.
1:24.6	But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject
1:28.7	to judgment, and again, anyone who says to his brother, Raqa, is answerable to the Sanhedron,
1:35.2	but anyone who says, you fool, will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are
1:40.4	offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, first go and be reconciled to your
1:48.9	brother, then come and offer your gift. You've heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth
	...

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